We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
We are the only hostel that provides high end services at the right price. Spa, Gym, Tours, Transportation and so much more all built for travelers. Right next to world class waves The point; aka Meatgrinders (when the conditions are right arguably the best wave in all of Central America) and only a 45 min walk to Asuchillo.
A beautiful place right at the beach runned by very nice and relaxed people. The beach was almost empty and is great for long walks and surfing. Its remote from any town so prepare to bring some food, use their restaurant (very good prices) or even buy fish straight from the local fisherman! I would definitely recommend it to backpackers and easy-going travelers who prefer prefer nature over luxury.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2018
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Be aware that the rooms are very basic.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thursday morning, peace o’clock; I’m sitting on the rancho overlooking Playa San Diego on the Pacific about an hour from Managua. While polishing off delicious coffee & gallo pinto – a staple breakfast in these parts – I can’t help feeling bittersweet about leaving this wonderful abode in a few days. I was on this beach two years ago when all that existed was a small house and outdoor kitchen. A year later, Mind the Gap Nica opened, bringing some life to this quiet residential surf beach. The locals love it….Your first indication of neighborhood presence is a big sign on the road into town, and your second is the abundance of local Nicaraguan traffic coming for drinks and food, weekend concerts and Sunday Jujitsu classes. The buzz can be felt through every feature, amenity, event and recreational activity here – yet it remains cozy, relaxing and very conducive to the yoga and meditation I’ve been doing most days. The staff is consistently sweet and accommodating and the owners recruited an amazing local chef whose food easily beats that of the expensive resort down the beach – her fish tacos and everything else is just mouthwatering. What you won’t find almost anywhere else is their traditional Mexican Temascal Sweat lodge and spa services such as massages, facials and haircuts. I had a top quality massage and facial today! I reiterate, all within the confines of a nice peaceful environment where you won’t need to compete for a hammock. The travelers love it….I’m all about the ambiance here. I’ve been on the road for 2 years so, your average backpacker party hostel has long lost its luster. MTGN is accessible from the pan American highway, thus attracting many travelers making a long road trips from the States down through Central America. I’m meeting families traveling with RVs, surfer couples and even one guy who came on a motorbike. After countless quality conversations on the beach I can honestly say I feel in more in my element here than anywhere I’ve stayed. MTGN’s rapid expansion might have exceeded the expectations of its hardworking owners, but that’s no surprise - they’ve certainly exceeded mine. Sam, Morgan and Diego...you absolutely rock!…
Read more
Date of stay: April 2017
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
By chance, I found out about Mind the Gap, in Managua. Thank goodness I got their business card. My friend and I went to Mind the Gap for a massage. The masseuse was professional, and really worked out the kinks I was suffering from. It was refreshing to have a massage on the seafront, the cool breeze, the sound of the surf, the warm sun. It was wonderful!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friend and I visited Mind the Gap Nica today for a massage. The massage therapist (I didn't get her name) was very well trained and did an excellent job. The massage was comparable to ones in Canada, but much more reasonably priced.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My BF and I stayed at this awesome little place for 5 days, and can highly recommend it! The staff is so kind and helpful. Take a walk on the beach while low tide only accompanied by yourself and the ocean, surf in the afternoon, relax and read a book in the hammocks with the beautiful sunset. Make sure to try the Temazcal (natural sauna) arranged by Sam, a great experience! We got there by chicken bus from Leon, and asked the driver to drop us off at the junction towards Villa El Carmen. From there get on the bus coming from Managua, and ask the driver to stop at the Californica/San Bartolo and take a tuc-tuc the last 11 km's of dirt road (~150 cordobas). The locals were very kind to help with the transport, even though we only habla un pocito español. Thank you so much Diego and Sam!…
Read more
Date of stay: December 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Couldn't have asked for a better experience all around. From the beautiful beaches to the comfortable and relaxing stay. I would definitely recommend a trip like this to others... Currently planning another trip looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful destination!!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2016
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Had an amazing 8 day escape to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world AND for the price of your average monthly cable tv/internet bill! The sun, surf, scenery and unique wildlife that comprises Managua and it's surround made Mind The Gap one of my favorite destinations in all of the Americas. The adventure opportunities make it a one-stop bucket list destination for people across the globe who like to play hard in the outdoors. Diego, Sam, and Morgan who run the resort provided a great list of services on a minimalists budget. One step off of The Mind The Gap Nica property and you are right on the beach in a surfers paradise. While we were not quite ready for "The Meat Grinder", plenty of other great waves can be had within a stone's throw of your hammock. We took a great two day tour with Diego (an American Expat) who is an excellent guide, and discovered some amazing off-the-grid locations like El Coyotepe Fortress and El Museo de Tradiciones y Leyendas, (or Museum of Traditions and Legends in Leon). Our very personable guide allowed us to stop as we pleased along the way and photograph the wildlife and scenery in between each destination (and there is a lot to be seen). We also witnessed the active Volcano Masaya up close as the lava rose to the top. We left wishing we had another week to spend and are hopeful of returning in the not so distant future!…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2016
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I mean first off this place is right on the beach so if you want that convenience it's there. The people are really nice and helpful. You can ask them about tours and local spots they are very knowledgeable. Price is great and i didn't mind staying in tent it was comfortable and I felt safe. They have a guard at night. I really like the relaxed feel and the host always made sure I had what I needed
Read more
Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It had the most beautiful of vistas accompanied by the most charming of people. Our family had a wonderful time. There were plenty of things for the kids to do. Once there, it was hard to leave. We will definitely be visiting again.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mind the Gap Nica was the highlight of our nicaraguan vacation. Located on a virtually empty beach, I found the tranquility and the connection with the people and nature that I was looking for. The friendly staff made sure that everything was perfect for us. The Spa services were well received before flying home to reality. We took a beautiful horseback ride, lounged out in the natural tide pools, and got some of the best surfing in on our trip. And we were able to go right from the beach to the airport for our flight. It was only about 1 hour away! Priceless!!! And to top it all off, the rooms were much less than we would have paid anywhere else nearby!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2016
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.